Governor Brown Appoints Katy Coba Oregon Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Department of Administrative Services

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced the appointment of Katy Coba as Oregon's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), effective Oct. 1 and pending Oregon Senate confirmation in September. Coba succeeds George Naughton, who has held the interim position of COO and DAS Director since March 2015 and will continue serving as the agency's Chief Financial Officer.

"I am sincerely grateful to George Naughton, whose keen guidance carried the agency through leadership transitions, and I look forward to welcoming Katy Coba as COO and DAS Director," Governor Brown said. "Katy brings to this critical role on my team a proven record of effective and innovative leadership and extensive knowledge of state government. She is committed to making government work better for all Oregonians."

Coba is currently Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), a position to which she was appointed in 2003. As Director, Coba leads the agency's mission of promoting Oregon agriculture to regional, domestic, and international markets. She also leads ODA's charge of protecting the state's natural resources, and ensuring food safety and consumer protection.

In addition to serving as ODA Director, Coba is an integral part of the Enterprise Leadership Team that works at the direction of Governor Brown to streamline internal business functions and improve coordination between state agencies. Coba is also Chair of the Food Regulation Committee for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, has served as President of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and was a member of the Oregon Tourism Commission.

Originally from Pendleton, Ore., Coba is a dedicated Oregon public servant who began her career in state government in 1985 and went on serve as Special Assistant to the Director of ODA from 1989 to 1995. Over her career, Coba also served in Governor Kitzhaber's first administration as Chief Policy Advisor, Economic Development and International Trade Policy Advisor, and Director of Executive Appointments. 

ODA Deputy Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson will serve as Interim Director of ODA beginning Oct. 1, until a successor is appointed.